It was three years ago...

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In the heart of a peaceful and serene village nestled within a dark green forest, a poignant moment unfolded. I rushed toward the village gate, desperately reaching out to two figures slowly making their way out.

"Wait! Please wait for me!!"

They halted in unison, turning to look back at me. One of them had brown eyes and dark red hair, their sleeveless dark red shirt adorned with noticeable holes around the torso. Short, dark trousers and a wooden sword sheathed at their waist completed their attire. The other figure, with light blue eyes and light brown hair, wore a simple blue shirt, grey pants, and a light blue cloak that billowed behind them. Quivers and bows adorned their back.

"Are both of you just going to leave me here? Please, I don't want to be left alone!"

As I gasped for breath, they exchanged glances. The young man in red gave a heavy sigh.

"It's been years since we spent time together," Alpha, the one in the red suit, closed his eyes and looked away. "And today, we've decided to leave in search of our true identities."

Josh, the other figure in the blue outfit, fixed me with a sympathetic gaze. "Time passes swiftly. We must move forward from our childhood. There's no future for us here."

Realizing this was the last day I could see them, I stared down.

"I... I don't know what to say..."

Trembling, I struggled to maintain my composure, tears threatening to fall at any moment.

"I'm just not ready for this. What will I become when both of you aren't around?"

"We all feel the same, Rai. It's an agonizing decision," Alpha admitted.

"Face it, my friend! You're a teenager now, and I'm certain you can find your way," Josh encouraged.

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With tears in my eyes, I embraced them both, my sobs echoing the bittersweet farewell we were experiencing.

Not long after our tearful embrace, I reluctantly let go of them.

"Are you feeling better?" Josh asked, concern in his eyes.

I nodded, my emotions still raw but gradually settling.

We stood in silence for a couple of minutes until I decided to break it.

"So... What are both of you going to achieve once you get out of here?"

Alpha, his face serious, unsheathed his wooden sword and held it firmly in front of him as he gazed toward it, before closing his eyes.

"I will become a swordsman in the city. With my combat knowledge, I'll protect this country from the impending war."

Josh, pointed at his set of quiver and bow using his thumb behind him while letting out a grin.

"And as you know, Rai, I'll be a renowned archer in the world, just as I am here. I'll make my name known far and wide."

I smiled at them, my heart heavy with the impending separation. "I see..."

Josh placed his hand on my shoulder, offering reassurance. "Cheer up, Rai! Perhaps in the next few years, you'll leave this village too, and we'll surely meet again someday."

"I... I know... But l'll really, really miss you guys..."

With Josh by my side, I stepped forward and tapped Alpha's shoulder.

"Thank you for everything, Alpha. You're the most unforgettable friend I have."

I hugged him tightly, feeling his body shake with emotions. He patted my back and gently loosened my grip. Moments before setting off on their journey, we exchanged heartfelt goodbyes.

As they prepared to depart, my mind swirled with questions about why they felt compelled to leave. The loneliness I was already beginning to feel was overwhelming, and it would take me a long time to come to terms with being left alone for good. I cherished both of them deeply and cared for them immensely.

"Don't worry, Rai!!" Josh shouted from a distance with his cheerful tone, trying to break out the melanholic vibe. "We'll meet each other again, and when that day comes, the three of us will be inseparable once more!!"

"Forever!!" I shouted back, tears streaming down my face. I waved my hand vigorously as they disappeared from view.

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